Member states will also have to draft national plans to encourage the use of products that are suitable for multiple use, as well as re-using and recycling.

Beverage bottles will have to be collected separately and recycled at a rate of 90% by 2025.

MEP Frédérique Ries (ALDE, BE), who was the rapporteur for the legislation, said: “We have adopted the most ambitious legislation against single-use plastics. It is up to us now to stay the course in the upcoming negotiations with the Council, due to start as early as November. Today’s vote paves the way to a forthcoming and ambitious directive. It is essential in order to protect the marine environment and reduce the costs of environmental damage attributed to plastic pollution in Europe, estimated at €22 billion by 2030.”